Don Everly, of the Everly Brothers, dies age 84

Don Everly, one of half of the revered pop duo The Everly Brothers, has died at his home in Nashville aged 84.

A spokesperson for the family confirmed the sad news to The Los Angeles Times, but did not disclose the cause of death.

A statement from the family said: “Don lived by what he felt in his heart. Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams … with his soulmate and wife, Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother.”

The Everly Brothers, comprising of brothers Don and Phil, were famed for the unique harmonies and catchy tunes throughout the 1950s and ’60s. They enjoyed a string of top 10 hits, including ‘Bye Bye Love’, ‘Wake up Little Susie’ and ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’. Their best-selling single came in 1960 when they released ‘Cathy’s Clown’.

The brothers’ blend of pop, blues and country saw them enjoy success around the world and they’re credited with influencing the sound of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Simon and Garfunkel, all of whom piggy-backed off the Don and Phil’s ability to use harmonies to create multi-layered sounds on their records.

A slew of stars have shared tributes to Don on their social media in the wake of his death. Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson wrote: “I’m sad to hear about Don Everly passing. The Everly Brothers were a big influence on us and we learned a lot from their beautiful harmonies. Love & mercy to Don’s family.”

Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, said: “We have now lost Don Everly. Touring with Phillip and Donald was literally thrilling. To have the privilege of singing with their breathtaking iconic voices was one of the great gifts of my career. Godspeed, Donald. I love you.”

We have now lost Don Everly. Touring with Phillip and Donald was literally thrilling. To have the privilege of singing with their breathtaking iconic voices was one of the great gifts of my career. Godspeed, Donald. I love you. pic.twitter.com/Vr8c9ikWAY

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 22, 2021

The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class of 1986, and in 2015, Rolling Stone ranked them number one on its list of the 20 Greatest Duos of All Time.

Don’s younger brother Phil Everly died of pulmonary disease in 2014 at the age of 74.